Imitate Me

by Annie Yorty

Should followers of Jesus imitate people? Or only Christ? Does the imitation of others put them on a pedestal of idolatry?

A Desire to Imitate

“I want to live more like Charlie.”

At the memorial to remember and honor Charlie Kirk, Bobby Kennedy relayed this sentiment of his granddaughter. As she packed for college, she had slipped a Bible into her suitcase. When her mother asked why she made that choice, she declared her desire to imitate the fallen Christian and conservative leader.

In the tsunami of admiration for Charlie Kirk since his assassination, I’ve also heard critics warn about idolizing the man.

Who’s right? Should we lionize a mere mortal? In his remarks, Bobby Kennedy said Charlie Kirk believed, as St. Francis taught nearly 1,000 years ago, that we should “live our lives in perfect imitation of Christ.” But have we heaped too much honor on this man who strove with all his might to make Christ known?

Let’s open the Scripture for answers.

Jesus pointed to Himself as not only our Savior, but also our example for daily living.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 NLT)

Years ago as a young parent, I came across a startling imperative written by Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT)

Wait . . . what?

Paul seems to insert himself between me and the example of my Savior. Isn’t that a bit audacious?

Imitating Family

More is caught than taught.

You’ve probably heard this parenting proverb. And if you’ve lived for a few decades, you’ve also probably noticed that the older you get, the more you become like your parents. God created children to learn by imitation.

As I thought more about Paul’s bold statement, God brought my kids to mind. I often told them to follow my example. But the weight of the responsibility of being their example of righteousness burdened my heart. I know my own inadequacies.

I could see my sin exemplified in my children’s behavior. My daughter’s hands on hips defiance. My son’s stubborn determination to be right. I cringed whenever I saw my failures reflected in the mirror of my children.

I trusted God’s grace to cover my parenting mistakes. And when, by God’s grace, I hit the mark and exemplified Jesus to my children, I rejoiced. Through it all I learned being the leader is a consequential responsibility.

W.W.J.D.?

Years ago, many Christians sported silicone wristbands with the letters W.W.J.D. The bracelets reminded people to ask themselves and one another, “What would Jesus do?”

The Bible contains all the answers for daily living, but we don’t always know how to apply its principles to our specific circumstances.

Should I take the job that pays more money even if I have less time with my family?

Exactly how should I discipline my child’s defiance?

Is it okay for me to spend my savings on a new sports car?

What boundaries do I set with my boyfriend?

God created a family relationship for followers of Jesus so we can learn from one another. Numerous proverbs exhort us to lean on the wisdom we find in godly people.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. (Proverbs 19:20 NLT)

The Examples of Fellow Sojourners

So should we follow Charlie Kirk’s example? What about imitating Paul?

Both Apostle Paul and Charlie Kirk made Christ their highest priority. They courageously spoke the Light of truth into darkness. They both died martyrs for their faith.

As we look once again at Paul’s directive, we find a parameter for how and when to imitate people. He wrote, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” To the extent that a mentor makes Christ their priority, we can safely learn principles for Christian living from their examples.

What about when a mentor messes up? Should we dump them? Again, we can seek answers in Paul’s letters. He would be the first to point out he was not perfect, yet he told fellow Christians to imitate him. And as a mama who told my kids to follow my example, I’m glad God allowed me to continue to stand in as their example even though I was imperfect.

The Circle of Imitation

Do you know a godly person who imitates Christ? That person may be Apostle Paul. Or Charlie Kirk. Perhaps your parent, or a mature friend. Go ahead and imitate the way they live. They never take the place of Jesus, but we can learn from the ups and downs of their faith journey.

Also, let’s consider how we can be examples of Christ-following that others can emulate. Don’t shy away from the weight of responsibility setting an example brings. Use this opportunity to draw on God’s infinite provision.

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. (2 Peter 1:3 NLT)

Allow God’s Spirit to mold and refine your character and behavior as you learn to imitate Christ.

Friends, I pray we all find a person worthy of imitating because they imitate Christ.

Join the conversation:

Who has inspired you to follow Jesus’ example more closely?

I welcome your comments.

Copyright ©2025 Annie Yorty